Rail

FRA finds Amtrak at fault for violating ADA passenger's rights

RICHMOND, Va. — After a passenger failed to hear a station announcement because he is deaf, Amtrak was cited last month for violating a person’s rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act by the civil rights office of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.

According to the FRA, the train station lacks required public telephone technology for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; does not provide a visual information system for passengers waiting outside on platforms to update them about delays and schedule changes in train service, and sometimes provides travel information only over loudspeaker; and does not consistently program its televisions to show captions for people who cannot hear.

Amtrak was not cited for failing to provide a visual information system for passengers on board trains only because the law doesn’t require it. For the full story, click here.